The b-29 that would not die

[whistlingdeath77]

Considering what " jacks hack" or 44-61975 has been through, it's simply amazing she is preserved in such a great state. A true testimony to the b-29 veterans and volunteers who worked together for decades.

Trucked away.

Almost destroyed by the tornado of 1979




To be continued....

[whistlingdeath77]

Moved to the new location in the early 80s and put on outdoor display again

On display in its own hanger 20 plus years later. Amazing

You can still see the original USAF siloutte under her wing

[Cherrybomber13]

What's amazing is that NEAM bounced back from that whole episode.

[Tiger moth]

The guys who did the polishing on JACK'S HACK where a regular vender who kept our G-4 looking good,and I mean detail perfect.I don't think they are in business anymore,but one of my favorite venders.
Tiger Moth
Retired COM,corporate flight department.

The outboard portion of the wing photo looks like before polishing...?

[kalamazookid]

Wow! Never seen pictures from the NEAM tornado before. I thought these were pictures from a gunnery or weapons range like China Lake...

[hang the expense]

What a beauty.Nice work.

[Steve Nelson]

I remember seeing pics of the tornado damage in Air Classics back when it happened. I never would have imagined that the museum could recover, nor any of the aircraft saved.

Does anyone know off the top of their head what aircraft were totalled by the storm? Obviously the B-29, B-25 and B-47 are still with us, and of course the C-133 and other transports were trashed, but what about the P2V and other aircraft?

SN

[whistlingdeath77]

I remember seeing pics of the tornado damage in Air Classics back when it happened. I never would have imagined that the museum could recover, nor any of the aircraft saved.

Does anyone know off the top of their head what aircraft were totalled by the storm? Obviously the B-29, B-25 and B-47 are still with us, and of course the C-133 and other transports were trashed, but what about the P2V and other aircraft?

SN

There was about 30 aircraft destroyed or damaged.

[whistlingdeath77]

[whistlingdeath77]

[cptsmith]

The B-17 was restored as "Liberty Belle", so it lasted a little bit longer.

[whistlingdeath77]

Yes we all know it was the liberty belle.

[Chief]

It is gut wrenching to see that C-124 upside down and in pieces. It is amazing how much it was torn apart. Can anyone provide the tail number?

[whistlingdeath77]

Note—in addition to the survivors listed below, the remains of 51-119 are in the Walter Soplata Collection located in Newbury, Ohio. This aircraft was on display at the Bradley Air Museum, now known as the New England Air Museum in Windsor Locks, CT. The museum was hit by a tornado, and this aircraft was destroyed. Soplata trucked the remains back to his farm in Ohio. The largest recognizable piece that remains is an engine.

[Barrie MacLeod]

Bradley 1976.